Sonaisali Island Resort, Fiji has undergone some exciting changes ready for a busy 2014. The resort is now offering WiFi for guests across the whole island and has completed a soft refurbishment on parts of the resort.

Sonaisali recently partnered with Vodafone Fiji as its ISP and ran a dedicated 2 megabyte high speed connection exclusively for guests use. Now resort guests can connect to the digital world from anywhere on the island – from the comfort of their bure or hotel room, while sipping on a cocktail by the pool bar, eating at the resort restaurants or while having a drink at the Tale or Zero bar.

“We at Sonaisali Island Resort continuously aim to provide world-class service for guests. With consumers now demanding instant connection to share their experiences on social media we have answered this with the ability to provide Wi-Fi for all guests that stay with us, island wide” Says Aaron McGrath, Managing Director, Sonaisali Island Resort.

There are four Internet Plans for guests to choose from. Plans start from 2hrs access with 250MB of data, up to a seven day pass with 6GB of data. IPAD’s are also available for guests to hire for 2hrs, one day, three days, five days or seven days making it easier than ever for guests to stay connected.

Sonaisali has also carried out a soft refurbishment on their popular conference rooms. The rooms are now more modern and brighter thanks to new paint colours, brand new carpet and a new room set up.

The resorts conference room can accommodate up to 90 delegates plus the additional executive boardroom with seating for 16 and another meeting room for smaller groups with seating for up to 10, making Sonaisali a popular choice for conference and incentive groups that visit Fiji.

The Tennis court has also been completely re-surfaced, so now guests can enjoy the feeling of playing on a brand new court. As Aaron McGrath says “Tennis is one of the most popular complimentary activities at Sonaisali and many guests play a match or two during the day or under lights at night.

We will continue to roll out our exciting resort upgrade plans over the next 12 months and I am sure that our guests will enjoy the benefits of a wide range of improved and upgraded facilities and services.”

Situated 300 metres off the main island of Viti Levu, Sonaisali Island Resort is only a three-minute boat ride away across the sleepy lagoon to the mainland. The resort comprises of 123 air-conditioned and beachfront hotel rooms, ocean-view bures, beachfront spa bures, and two bedroom family bures all featuring modern interiors which harmonise with Fijian architecture.

Sonaisali has two restaurants, including the fine dining ‘Plantation’ Restaurant, which is noted as one of the best fine dining Restaurants in Fiji and The Sunset Terrace Restaurant, surrounded by one of the largest lagoon style pools in Fiji and open for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. A swim up bar in the resorts huge lagoon style pool also offers a bar menu and 24 hour Room Service is yet another option for Guests.

Getting married can now be a truly joyous occasion without the stress of over-the top wedding expenses with Sonaisali Island Resort Fiji’s unbelievable ‘Marau’ Wedding Package. For only FJD$5,000.00 (AUD$2960*) couples can get their perfect wedding ceremony, a reception for 30 guests and accommodation for the Bride and Groom, all on an island paradise.

With gorgeous sunsets, and lush tropical gardens Sonaisali Island Resort is the perfect location for any wedding and as part of the ‘Marau’ Wedding Package the bride and groom can choose to be married barefoot in the sand, beachfront in a ‘wedding bure’, at the romantic tip of the island at Sunset Point or in the beautiful, lush tropical gardens of the resort. Wherever they choose the location will be decorated in true romantic style and a personalised Wedding Co-ordinator will help the happy couple plan their perfect day.

Also included in the ceremony part of the package is return transport to Nadi to obtain a wedding licence, the Marriage Licence Fee, a Minister or Celebrant, two Fijian Flower girls, four Fijian Warriors in traditional costume, a traditional ‘Korovuto Village’ Choir, Wedding bouquet and flower arrangements, a decorated wedding boat for the bride to arrive in or couple to leave in and a bottle of Sparkling Wine and canapés after the ceremony.

We have a ‘wedding Bure’ located on the beachfront. The bride arrives by decorated boat and is escorted by warriors to the decorated open air Bure

The magnificent Reception for 30 of the bride and grooms family and closest friends includes, venue hire and set up in their choice of the resorts sunset restaurant, by the lagoon style pool, beachside, at the zero bar or at sunset point and a traditional buffet dinner, a two hour beverage package including local beers, wines and soft-drinks and a delicious Wedding Cake.

The bride and groom also receive four night’s accommodation in a romantic Beachfront Spa Bure to start their life as husband and wife.

Sonaisali Island Resort is a true island escape yet only a three-minute boat ride away to the mainland. The resort comprises of 123 air-conditioned beachfront hotel rooms, ocean-view bures, beachfront spa bures, and two bedroom family bures. The resort has two restaurants, including the fine dining ‘Plantation’ Restaurant and The Sunset Terrace Restaurant, surrounded by one of the largest lagoon style pools in Fiji.

Sonaisali offers guests an amazing array of activities including The Frangipani Health and Beauty Spa, swimming, tennis, shopping excursions, village trips, horse riding, sailing, fishing, jet skiing, paintball, surfing and daily snorkelling and dive trips. Fiji culture hasn’t been forgotten, with authentic Firewalking and traditional Meke performed weekly and a Kids Club is open daily from 9am – 9pm, offering over 60 fun activities for children.

The Marau Wedding Package is only FJD$5000.00 (AUD$2960.00*) and includes a wedding ceremony, reception for 30 guests and four nights’ accommodation in a beachfront spa bure.

The package is a valid from 1 April 2014 to 31 March 2015 and the wedding party must have a minimum of 20 guests all staying at Sonaisali Island Resort for a minimum of 4 nights. For less than 30 guests a discount of FJD$160 per person will be applied and for more than 30 guests and additional FJD$160 per person will be charged.

From the elderly to the young, Australia and New Zealand has gone crazy over lawn bowls and from the 24th to 29th May 2014 Nadi, Fiji is hosting the 6th Sunny West Bowling Carnival. Sonaisali Island Resort has partnered with Tourism HQ to release a fantastic Bowling package for all players and spectators, so now Australian’s can combine their love of bowls and Fiji.

The 6th Sunny West Bowling Carnival is a week-long International bowling competition being held at Nadi Sports Club, Fiji. Bowlers are from New Zealand, Australia, Papua New Guinea and Samoa and will compete in teams of mixed pairs and fours for over $3000 in cash prizes.

Sonaisali Island Resort is offering packages for Australian bowling lovers starting from only $1,849 per person, including return flights, all transfers, seven nights’ accommodation, full American buffet breakfast each day and entry into the six day tournament with Lovo, Cocktail and prize giving evenings all included.

Situated 300 metres off the main island of Viti Levu, Sonaisali Island Resort is only a three-minute boat ride away across the sleepy lagoon to the mainland and 15 minutes from Nadi town and Nadi Sports Club

The resort comprises of 123 air-conditioned and beachfront hotel rooms, ocean-view bures, beachfront spa bures, and two bedroom family bures. Sonaisali’s accommodation is second to none, featuring modern interiors which harmonise with Fijian architecture.

Sonaisali has two restaurants, including the fine dining ‘Plantation’ Restaurant, noted as one of the best fine dining Restaurants in Fiji and The Sunset Terrace Restaurant, surrounded by one of the largest lagoon style pools in Fiji. A swim up bar also offers a bar menu and 24 hour Room Service is yet another option for Guests.

Fiji culture hasn’t been forgotten, with authentic Firewalking and traditional Meke performed weekly.

Sonaisali is a favourite for families with the Kids Club open daily from 9am – 9pm, offering over 60 fun activities for children.

Sonaisali Island Resort Bowling packages are priced from $1849 per person twin share ex Brisbane, $1949 per person twin share ex Sydney and from $2049 per person twin share ex Melbourne. The package includes return flights, all transfers, seven nights’ accommodation, full American buffet breakfast each day and entry into the six day tournament with Lovo and Cocktail evenings. Great packages are also available ex New Zealand.

Local Bowling Clubs will also receive a $100 donation for each member attending this year, to organise this touch base with TourismHQ via team@tourismhq.com for a unique reference code which will also ensure you’re roomed in close proximity to other members attending.

Sonaisali Island Resort, Fiji has re-introduced its full American Buffet Breakfast for all guests staying at the resort. The American Buffet Breakfast replaces the tropical (continental) breakfast and is included in the room rate of the resort so there is no additional charge for guests!

The American buffet breakfast includes a hot and cold selection, with a new addition of a waffle station for freshly made waffles and pancakes to die for! Still available are the old favourites of bacon, eggs, sautéed mushrooms and herb tomatoes but accompanying this is now an assorted variety of condiments, selection of locally produced fresh fruits, fresh bread choices, pastries, fried rice and another favourite the Egg and Omelette Station, made to guests liking. Tea and coffee is also available.

Breakfast is served at the resorts Sunset Terrace Restaurant, an open air restaurant surrounded by one of the largest lagoon style pools in Fiji. The Sunset Terrace Restaurant is also open for lunch and dinner and offers varied menus including a la carte and themed buffets.

“We really wanted to listen to our guest feedback and offer the Full American Buffett breakfast again, but with a little twist. We wanted people to start their day with a tempting variety of breakfast options before they embark on one of the many activities offered by the resort. We understand a day cruise or cultural village visit or a shopping tour can be hard work.” Says Gerrard McNamara, Sonaisali Island Resort, Food & Beverage Manager.

Managing Director, Aaron McGrath said, “I am delighted to see the resorts food and beverage offering enhanced. It is critical that we continue to exceed our guest’s expectations and deliver and excel within our 4 star niche. Sonaisali is the resort to watch over the coming months with many exciting initiatives coming to fruition.”

Sonaisali puts a great emphasis on food and beverage choices and boasts range of dining facilities including the fine dining ‘Plantation’ Restaurant, which is recognised by Trip Advisor as one of the best restaurants in Fiji, offering an a la carte menu or a decadent 9-course ‘Degustation Menu’.

For a lazy option by the waterside, the BBQ Grill offers guests a simple, yet casual lunch choice. The Sunset Terrace Restaurant hosts daily International Buffet dinner selections alongside a full a la carte menu for that something different.

Sonaisali Island Resort is a private Island destination situated 300 metres off the main island of Viti Levu and only 25 minutes from Nadi International Airport and 15 minutes from Nadi town.

Comprising of 123 air-conditioned and beachfront hotel rooms, ocean-view bures, beachfront spa bures, and two bedroom family bures, Sonaisali’s accommodation is second to none, featuring modern interiors which harmonise with Fijian architecture.

Sonaisali offers guests an amazing array of activities including swimming, tennis, shopping excursions, village trips, horse riding, sailing, fishing, jet skiing, paintball, surfing and daily snorkelling and dive trips.
Guests can also relax and be pampered at The Frangipani Health and Beauty Spa, while kids are looked after at the Kids Club which operates daily from 9am – 9pm

Sonaisali Island Resort, Fiji has been selected ahead of a number of International resorts to win The Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) annual award for ‘Outstanding Contribution to the Diving Community”.

Sonaisali Island Resort’s Managing Director, Aaron McGrath, accepts this award with great pride as it not only reflects Sonaisali’s commitment to the marine and dive community, but also to the guests that choose to dive while at Sonaisali.

“We are very proud to accept this award as it shows our PADI facility is built on a foundation of diver safety and quality education. This vision and commitment as a Resort will push us to achieve higher levels of performance.

Sonaisali will continue to contribute responsibly to the diving community, along with striving towards excellence in all areas of day to day operations, being an innovative leader for the dive and tourism industry and our local community.” Continues Mr McGrath.

Since becoming a PADI Retail and Resort Association member in 1997, Sonaisali Island Resort dive shop has safely introduced thousands of people, many of them first timers, to Fiji’s fantastic underwater world. Divers are not only taught how to dive, but learn about marine environment and how to respect it. As a member of the Mamanuca Environmental Society (MES), which promotes awareness through school and community programs, Sonaisali is committed to monitoring, educating and promoting awareness.

“It is fantastic to be recognized for our efforts as our dive team is committed to providing exceptional customer service with the highest level of safety standards for our divers, whilst ensuring the experience is both enjoyable and fun”. Says Sonaisali Resorts Recreational Manager Mr. Andrew Redfern.

“We conduct small classes and divers receive a lot of individual attention. Sonaisali looks forward to introducing many more visitors to the beautiful coral reefs and amazing fish life in and around the Mamanuca Islands”. Continues Mr Redfern.

Andrew’s previous roles before moving to Fiji included 23 years of Dive and Hospitality Industry experience. With 15 years experience within Fiji Andrew is one of two PADI Course Directors in the country. As a Course Director he has trained almost all of Fiji’s local Dive Instructors, which leaves him as one of the highest ranking professionals within PADI. Andrew brings to the team his extensive marine and dive experience and knowledge, which will continue to contribute and enhance the diving community in Fiji.

4 Star Sonaisali Island Resort is a true island escape, a small green dot in the beautiful South Pacific Ocean – yet the world you’ve left behind is only a 3 minute boat ride across the lagoon from the Main Island and 25mins drive from Nadi International Airport. Sonaisali is located just a short 30 minute boat ride away from the outer barrier reef of the magic Mamanuca Islands. This means they are able to offer diver’s the best visibility, best coral and fish life and the best chance of seeing big critters such as sharks, rays and turtles that can be found in this region of Fiji.

Sonaisali Island Resort, Fiji, has launched an exciting facebook promotion, where guests simply have to ‘like’ Sonaisali’s facebook page, let the resort know before they travel, and they are guaranteed fantastic prizes on arrival at the resort. Guests can even have a chance to win a return trip to Sonaisali.

Sonaisali Island Resort’s Managing Director, Aaron McGrath believes this is an innovative promotion which rewards guests for staying at the property.

“We really wanted to do something special and different for our guests and give them great value adds to their holiday. We hope all travel agents get behind this promotion and encourage their clients to like our facebook page prior to arriving on the property so they can take advantage of this fantastic offer”. Explains Aaron.

There are four parts to this amazing promotion which will run between September and 31 December 2012.

• Part One – any facebook fan who visits Sonaisali during the promotional period will receive a Facebook T-Shirt on arrival.

• Part Two – Guests that wear their Facebook T-shirt within the Resort will receive a free Facebook drink at the Pool Bar between 12.30pm and 1.30pm, the Talei Bar between 6pm -7pm and at the Zero Bar between 9.30pm and 10.30pm. Guests are limited to one drink per venue per person per day.

• Part Three – Guests who take the funniest and most creative picture wearing their Facebook T-shirt at the most iconic part of the resort and post it on Sonaisali’s facebook page by the 25th of every month will go into a draw to win a prize. The prize draw will occur at the end of each month until 31st December 2012 and guests can enter as many times as they like.

• Part Four – Guests that take a picture wearing their Facebook T-Shirt at a landmark in their own
country and post it on Sonaisali’s Facebook wall will go into the draw to win a 5 nights stay at Sonaisali in the same room category as their last booking, including free return airport transfers. Guests can enter as many times as they like and entries can be submitted up until the 27th December 2012, with the draw taking place on 1st January 2013.

The four Star Sonaisali Island Resort is a true island escape, with an abundance of tropical beauty, an extensive range of activities and a relaxed and friendly ambience. Sonaisali is a small green dot in the beautiful South Pacific Ocean – yet the world you’ve left behind is only a 3 minute boat ride across the lagoon from the Main Island and 25mins drive from Nadi International Airport.

Sonaisali features 123 spacious rooms and bures scattered along the beachfront, two dining restaurants including the fine dining ‘Plantation’ Restaurant, noted as one of the best fine dining Restaurants in Fiji. The resort offers a range of activities including swimming, tennis, village trips, horse riding, sailing, fishing, paintball, surfing, daily snorkelling and dive trips, weekly Fijian Fire walking and traditional Meke, a divine health and beauty spa and a Kids Club.

Every Wednesday night Sonaisali Island Resort, Fiji is treating guests to the ancient Fijian tradition of Fire Walking, with a breathtaking Fire Walking show and traditional Kava Ceremony.

“Since its introduction the Firewalking and Kava Ceremony has been the most popular of the cultural events showcased at Sonaisali. The show takes about 45 minutes to an hour and the performers all interact with our guests, often sharing stories and other Fijian Traditions.” Says Aaron McGrath – Sonasiali Island Resorts Managing Director.

Fijian Firewalking is unique to the Sawau Tribe of the island of Beqa in the Southern Islands of Fiji and each week a group of 8-10 performers make the weekly trip to Sonaisali Island Resort to entertain guests and explain this ancient tradition.

All members must observe two strict rules, there must be no contact with women and eating coconuts if forbidden in the days preceding the ceremony. Failure to observe these taboos may result in severe burns. This ancient religious ceremony often requires great strength and discipline of the mind, body and spirit.

Six to eight hours before the ceremony a huge bonfire is built with the ceremony starting with the smouldering logs being removed with long green poles whilst the participants chant, to clear away the logs from the hot stones. A long tree fern, said to contain the spirit of God, is laid across the pit in the direction of the bete (the priest/master of ceremonies). Large vines are then dragged across the stones, levelling them for the actual firewalking.

When the stones are finally in position, the bete jumps on them and takes a few trial steps to test their firmness. He will then call for bundles of green leaves and swamp grass which are placed around the edge of the pit. Finally, the position of the tree fern is adjusted at the command of the bete, and the firewalkers will approach the pit from the direction in which it points. The tree fern is removed and the firewalkers walk, single file, across the red-hot stones.

This performance is followed with a traditional Kava ceremony, where one member of the audience is appointed as the Chief. Kava (also known as Yaqona) is the traditional drink of Fiji and is mixed from the roots of the piper methysticum plant and diluted in water. Participants sit in a circle on a mat facing the tanoa, a large hand carved wooden bowl. One by one, amidst chanting and hand clapping, each person drinks the kava from a share half coconut shell. Kava ceremonies are still used in many Fijian villages to welcome visitors.

Feedback from guests includes: “My boys loved it and cherish the photos of them with the firewalkers” ~ Jenny Clarke. “We attended and loved it” ~ Kathryn Brown. “My hubby was chosen as Chief, so funny, great night” ~ Jo Hamilton Sime.

4 Star Sonaisali Island Resort is a true island escape, a small green dot in the beautiful South Pacific Ocean – yet the world you’ve left behind is only a 3 minute boat ride across the lagoon from the Main Island and 25mins drive from Nadi International Airport.